IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Finding a Solution to IBS: Since IBS can be caused by a number of different factors, finding a solution can be difficult. To reduce the symptoms of IBS, one must be dedicated and, in some cases, make difficult lifestyle and diet changes. It is also important for an IBS sufferer to understand that reversing the effects of IBS can be a time intensive process. In fact, relief of IBS symptoms is often a slow process. It may take six months or more for definite improvement to be realized. Patience is extremely important in dealing with this problem. (15)
It is essential of IBS sufferers to incorporate a maintenance program that addresses the many factors that can contribute to IBS. According to the FDA, many doctors say the real key to achieving relief is to understand that IBS is a complex disorder with physical and stress-related dimensions. (16). An example of one such maintenance program is as follows:
- Rule out underlying causes (such as Candida and parasites).
- Change your diet to one that will exclude irritation foods, such as alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, dairy products, sugar, and foods that are high in sulfur (garlic, onions, leeks, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts).
- Increase fiber intake (balancing soluble and insoluble) with flax.
- Replace intestinal flora (with probiotics like acidophilus and bifidus) .
- Use supportive herbs to help soothe the digestive tract.
- Use L-glutamine and N-acetyl-glucosamine to support the intestinal lining.
- Include gamma oryzanol to soothe the colon.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Try colon hydrotherapy.
Instituting a comprehensive maintenance program is the first step to overcoming IBS. However, including proper supplementation in this program can greatly reduce IBS symptoms. Here is a simple, yet effective four-step system.
First, the Intestinal Bowel Solution (which is the more convenient form of two products specifically designed to combat IBS: IntestiMax and IBS Max). It is a two-part formula to be taken in the morning and at night. Part I taken first thing in the morning is a combination of L-glutamine and N-acetyl-glucosamine which supports a healthy mucosal lining. It is very important that the mucosal lining remain healthy to keep toxins out of the bloodstream. Part I also contains gamma-oryzanol from rice bran oil, which has shown to be effective in soothing the digestive tract. Part II of the Intestinal Bowel Solution formula, taken just before bed, contains Chinese herbs reported by the Journal of the American Medical Association to be effective with IBS sufferers. Other ingredients in the formula include chamomile, slippery elm, cranberry fruit, fenugreek, fennel and peppermint. This combination of Chinese and Western herbs has anti-spasmodic properties. It will also help relieve and expel gas and strengthen and tone the bowel.
Second, increasing fiber intake is essential to include in any maintenance program. :: FiberMax is an organic flax/borage combination :: formulated to help absorb and eliminate toxins. Flax contains the ideal ratio of nearly 50% soluble to 50% insoluble. Fiber may be taken at any time of the day, but should be taken at different times than other supplements. FiberMax is available in vegetable capsules.
Third, it is important to include essential fatty acids in a program to help lubricate the colon. :: OilMax is a combination of fish, flax and borage oil :: It is enhanced with the digestive enzyme lipase, which is critical for the breakdown of oil in the body. OilMax is a patented formula and the only oil formula with the fat-digesting enzyme lipase.
Fourth, :: probiotics are needed to reestablish the good (friendly) bacteria in the digestive tract :: Often the level of good bacteria is insufficient, and the level of harmful bacteria is in surplus. FloraMax is a blend of 5 resident strains of lactobacillus and bifido bacteria formulated to reestablish good bacteria levels. It has 6 billion cultures per capsule at time of manufacture.
Remember, by instituting a proper IBS maintenance program that includes supplementation and addresses the many factors (both internal and external) that contribute to IBS, suffers can reclaim their lives.
References:
1. Food and Drug Administration, Carol Lewis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Poorly Understood Disorder. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2001/401_ibs.html
2. American Gastroenterological Association. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. http://www.gastro.org/public/brochures/ibs.html
3. Op.Cit., Lewis
4. Ibid.
5. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Irritable Bowel Syndrome http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/irribowel.htm
6. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Irritable Bowel Syndrome http://www.fascrs.org/brochures/irritable-bowel.html
7. Op. Cit. Lewis
8. Op.Cit., National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
9. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. Irritable Bowel Syndrome http://www.ccfa.org/med-central/library/basics/ibs.htm
10. Op. Cit., American Gastroenerological Association
11. Op. Cit., American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
12. Op. Cit., Lewis.
13. Op. Cit., American Gastroenterological Association
14. Op. Cit., National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
15. Op. Cit., American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
16. Op. Cit., Lewis.
